First Gen to build Cavite solar facility for HCG

Lopez-led First Gen Corp. has clinched the deal to construct a solar power facility for the Philippine operations of Taiwan-based sanitary ware manufacturer HCG.

In a statement, the renewable energy firm said the plant would have a capacity of 660 kilowatt (kW) and would be built within the 10-hectare facility of HCG in Dasmariñas, Cavite. HCG is focused on producing bathroom fixtures and solutions that cater to different needs, market segments and facilities.

The firm did not disclose estimated cost of the project.

This new deal marks the strengthened partnership of the parties, as HCG also tapped First Gen in 2020 for the supply of 850 kW of clean energy from the Bacon-Manito geothermal power plant in the Bicol region.

First Gen said the pact remained in effect under the system of retail competition and open access, which allows power customers consuming at least 500 kW a month to purchase cheaper electricity from retailers other than the existing distributors in their area.

“We look forward to a growing partnership to lower HCG’s carbon emissions by using clean energy to power operations and integrating energy efficiency solutions,” said Mark Malabanan, assistant vice president for solar of First Gen.

Eugene Lin, HCG Philippines senior vice president and officer in charge, also said the group continued to explore ways to cut its impact on the environment.

“Over the years, we have completed several initiatives that contribute to our decarbonization objectives and we are committed to using green energy,” Lin said.

First Gen is the leading power generation firm in the local market, with 3,697 megawatts of total installed capacity from a portfolio of 33 power facilities. It also has the largest portfolio of plants that run on geothermal, wind, hydro and solar energy.

The company has been raking in deals for the supply of clean energy for different companies in the Visayas and Mindanao.